Google confirms first Android 17 beta coming soon
By Google has officially announced the development of Android 17 and revealed that the first public beta will arrive soon. The release is expected as early as February or March 2026, with the stable final build slated for June 2026.
Here’s what to expect:
- The first build will launch directly as Beta 1, skipping the Developer Preview phase
- Android 16 QPR3 will serve as the base, bringing stability and performance improvements
- Google Pixel owners enrolled in the beta program will receive the update automatically
Changes in the development cycle
Google recently released Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 for Pixel devices as the final build based on the current OS. The company confirmed it’s shifting focus to the next-gen Android platform and has revamped its testing approach.
In previous years, new Android versions kicked off with Developer Preview builds (Android 16 had two), followed by a public beta phase. This year, Google is skipping that initial step altogether – the first publicly available Android 17 build will be marked Beta 1 right out of the gate.
Technical details and rollout plans
According to Google, Android 17 Beta 1 is based on Android 16 QPR3 and incorporates the latest bug fixes, stability, and performance enhancements. Early leaks have hinted at several new features and expanded gaming capabilities, but the full scope of changes will only be clear once the beta launches.
As usual, Pixel users will be the first to receive the update. Those running Android 16 QPR3 Beta 2.1 who remain in the Android Beta Program will get Android 17 Beta 1 automatically. Users who wish to opt out will have to leave the beta testing program.
Other manufacturers’ devices will gain access to the Android 17 beta a few weeks after the Pixel release. The final stable version of Android 17 is expected to roll out around June 2026.
